The stage and TV actress, whose credits include Fame, Grease, Starlight Express and The Bill, is best known for her role as moody nurse Nina Farr on the BBC drama series.

The actress, 41, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2008, just 10 weeks after giving birth to her daughter Gigi.

Speaking at the time, she revealed: "After a week and a half of being prodded and poked, I’d been given the most horrendous news.

"At the age of 35, I had an aggressive form of breast cancer: grade three."

Rebekah as Nina in Casualty (Image: BBC)

But after beating the disease she was given the five year all clear this year.

Almost at once, Rebekah - best known for her role as moody nurse Nina Farr on the BBC show - was plunged back into a frightening world of uncertainty.

As she explained in April: “I was in Devon with my family when I had a huge seizure. Within an hour I was in A&E. I was quickly diagnosed with two brain tumours, plus one in the neck and a lesion on my lung.”

Rebekah describes the NHS treatment following the seizure as “amazing” and “ first class”, but this latest drama in her own life had left her in “a dark place”, and she needed more support.

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“I was emotionally and physically low,” she said.

"The cyberknife (non-invasive robotic radiosurgery), was a very big treatment and as a reaction I had another seizure … I couldn’t stand up properly or walk up the stairs because I was so unsteady. I was scared and very worried about my future.

Rebekah's friend Coronation Street actress Hayley Tamaddon led the tributes to the star on Twitter, writing: "So many memories... We will never forget you Becky. Keep twinkling. Wherever you are."

While fans of the actress also remembered her on Twitter, with one posting: "I feel so sad to hear about the death of Rebekah Gibbs. Such an inspirational lady. I have fond memories. #RIP."